Integrated Amp ideas for Dynaudio Special 40's


Looking for some ideas on integrated amps for my special 40's. I'm currently using a Peachtree Decco65 to drive these, but my sense is that it's not doing them justice.. Would prefer to use an all-in-one integrated (including DAC), but also open to other ideas.

I'm considering the Peachtree 220se--any opinions on whether this would be a noticeable upgrade to the Decco65?  Also curious about the Nuprime ida-8 and Hegel H80/H90... Would like to keep budget under $1500, and willing to buy used/demo/refurbished as well. Any other ideas much appreciated--
colinga

Showing 1 response by stevehuff

This is now old but I have the S40's and love them. I have tested them with a slew of integrated amps. Here is how they rank, the ones I tried...

1. BEST - Luxman 590 AXII - Only 60 watts into 4 ohms but wow Magic here. 
2. NEXT BEST - Octave V40 SE with KT88's and NOS driver and input tubes. Only 40 watts but sounds more powerful than the Luxman and my old 300 WPC McIntosh. Amazing amp with these speakers. 
3. FANTASTIC  - If you want a more romantic sound with amazing holographic imaging, the Raven Audio Nighthawk or Blackhawk VIII are fantastic with the S40's. 


POOR: Anything McIntosh. They do not work well with these speakers. Too dull. I tested these with an 8000 Integrated at 300 WPC that cost $10k. The Amps above sound much better. 

Average: PS Audio Sprout 100. Better than the McIntosh in sound but a tad weak in the bass. Not recommended for optimal quality. 

SLOPPY: I tested 2-3 cheap china made amps from Amazon..noisy, weak, flabby and one failed. Blah. 

These speakers want CURRENT much more than watts. They crave QUALITY over grunt force. Avoid class D with these. Class A is best but A/B is also wonderful. They LOVE tubes in the 40 WPC range.